Diana Lynn

We’ve all got our New Year’s resolutions locked down, but that doesn’t mean those have to void us of any fun in Charleston, SC in January! Charleston is one of the top places to live and visit in the United States, and while Charleston, SC weather in January isn’t our most favorable month for our typically amazing temperatures, it is still mild enough most days to take advantage of outdoor activities alongside of indoor options.

I’ve pulled some of my top picks for things to do in Charleston during the month of January, which include a mix of kid-friendly activities and date night options. Dress for the weather! There is nothing a coat, gloves, and hat won’t fix to enjoy a little fresh air in Lowcountry.

January Charleston Events

• New Year’s Eve at Aquarium Aglow (December 31): Every year, the South Carolina Aquarium hosts a New Year’s Eve party from 5:30-9:30 PM for families to enjoy the Aglow experience along with face painting, a DJ, and ball drop. Toddlers are free and members get 20% off.
• Folly Beach Polar Plunge (January 1): The event takes place on January 1st every year at the Tide’s Hotel. Participants are encouraged to amp up the fun by competing for best costume, taking into consideration some of Bill Murray’s best characters, since he is a resident of Charleston. While this may be more appropriate for adults to participate in, families could post up on the beach with some popcorn and watch the fun!
• Museum Mile Month (All of January): If you aren’t a fan of being out in the cold, throughout the month, a one-time purchase of a pass will provide you access to 13 of the sites that participate in Museum Mile Month. Sites include the Children’s Museum of Lowcountry, The Charleston Museum, The Gibbes Museum of Art, Old Slave Mart Museum, The South Carolina Historical Society Museum, The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and more. Adults are $35 and Children are $10.
• Oysters at the Point (January 6 and January 20): The Reel Bar at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina hosts this event multiple times during the season on Saturdays from 2:00 – 6:00 PM. The event includes amazing views of the harbor, live music, drinks and oysters. Tickets are $10 to get in online, and buckets of Oysters are $15.
• Restaurant Week (January 11-January 24): Take a date night (or lunch date) out and rest easy knowing that breaking your New Year’s resolution of penny pinching will be worth it by taking advantage of a deal or two at one of the hot spots you’ve been wanting to try during Charleston’s Restaurant week.
• Night at the Museum for Adults (January 12): On the theme of museum month, The Charleston Museum is hosting an adult only historical costume night. The event includes a DJ, dancing, and open bar. Costs are $65 for members, $80 for non-members. Couples save $10.
• Kids Takeover Day at Carolina Stingrays (January 14): For the hockey fans in us, the Carolina Stingrays are hosting a game focused on the kids! T-shirts will be given out to the first 1,000 fans under 12 and there will be family-friendly activities throughout the Sunday game.
• MLK Day at the Children’s Museum of Lowcountry (January 15): From 11 AM – 3 PM the Museum will host story times focused on civil rights and also make crafts available. This is included with admission, which is typically around $13, unless you take advantage of Museum Mile Month (above).
• Taste of Folly (January 19-20): I’m not sure why all the yummy food events are in January, but this fun event is two days long. The first evening kicks it off with cocktail competition, followed by Savory Saturday, which includes tastings from local restaurants, a hot dog eating and oyster shucking competition, live music, and an area for the kids to enjoy as well including pasta making and jump houses. Tickets in advance for the cocktail competition are $40, and $10 for entry into Saturday’s event.
• Fairy House Day (January 20): Dress your kiddos up as a fairy or gnome and help build fairy houses out of items available in nature at the Palmetto Islands County Park. Additionally, the event includes crafts and story time. Food trucks and face painting will be available separately from the ticket pricing. Tickets are $7 a person.
• Winter Wine Festival (January 27): Try over 50 different wines, beers, and mimosas at Festival Hall while enjoying music and chatting it up with friends. Food is available for purchase on site. Tickets are $50 in advance.

What are your favorite January events to take advantage of in Charleston? I’d love to hear what other fun activities there are out there to enjoy this season!